AccScience Publishing / JCTR / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/jctr.24.00072
CASE REPORT

Meropenem-induced cholestasis in a pyelonephritis patient: A case report and evaluation using the updated RUCAM scale

Shatavisa Mukherjee1*
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1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Submitted: 26 October 2024 | Revised: 4 January 2025 | Accepted: 17 January 2025 | Published: 7 February 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
Abstract

Background: Meropenem, a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic, is widely used to treat severe infections but has been associated with rare cases of drug-induced liver injury, including cholestasis. Recognizing and managing this potential adverse effect is essential for ensuring patient safety, particularly in the context of prolonged antibiotic use. Case presentation: We report a case of meropenem-induced cholestasis in a 57-year-old female patient with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. The patient developed elevated liver enzymes and jaundice after the initiation of meropenem therapy. This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and outcome. The case was assessed using the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method scale, yielding a score of 9, indicating a “highly probable” causality. This case highlights the importance of vigilant liver function monitoring in patients receiving meropenem and other potentially hepatotoxic medications. Conclusion: As antibiotic stewardship becomes increasingly crucial in mitigating antimicrobial resistance, recognizing and understanding the potential side effects of these agents is essential for safer prescribing practices. Relevance for patients: This case highlights the importance of vigilant liver function monitoring in patients on meropenem, reinforcing early recognition, and discontinuation to enhance patient safety and support personalized antibiotic therapy.

Keywords
Meropenem
Cholestasis
Drug-induced liver injury
Updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method
Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The author declares no competing interest.
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Journal of Clinical and Translational Research, Electronic ISSN: 2424-810X Print ISSN: 2382-6533, Published by AccScience Publishing